Vaulting Garage Ceiling – Rafter Tie Connection
I have a 24′ x 24′ gable-end two car garage. There is a ceiling framed at roughly 8′-6″ running perpendicular to the ridge of the roof (thereby parallel with the roof rafters). This ceiling is supported by a beam and lally columns running between the two garage bays.
We are eliminating the lally columns and beam, and vaulting the ceiling up to +/-12′ using rafter ties in the bottom 1/3 of the roof rafters. The roof rafters are 2×6, and we will be using 2×6 rafter ties.
The building code calls for five (5) 16d common nails per connection. I have 18 rafter ties. This would mean hand-nailing (180) 16d common nails in a hot garage attic during the summer.
What are some good alternatives to 16d common nails for structural connections? Looking for something faster, just as strong, and easier to install.
Replies
Nuts and bolts, construction screws or timber lock screws
Yes, but I'm looking for a specific size. For example, I found Simpson 1/4" x 3" structural screws that are a one-to-one replacement for 16d nails.
I was thinking I would use those screws, but if one 1/2" bolt with washers and nut is equal to five 16d nails, then I would possibly go that route instead.
Or maybe doing more nails (smaller diameter sinkers) fired from a nail gun. I wouldn't be asking this question if you could fire 16d common nails from a typical nail gun.
I'm curious what others have done in the past with success.
Nail gun with 16’s opposing angles.
Rated screws and an impact driver.
With either, install before you disconnect your current ceiling joists.
Unless you need to pull in the sidewalls to plumb.
All off of a rolling scaffold.
Hot summer? Welcome to our world. Early to rise and a big fan if you must.
How many 16 sinkers fired from a nail gun would be equivalent to 16d common nails? Sinkers are thinner than common nails.